Pets may refuse to drink water on the road.

Why Some Pets Hold Off on Drinking

Travel can feel a little overwhelming for animals. Some pets are too excited or nervous to think about water, others aren't used to drinking from a travel bowl, and some just prefer the comfort of their own home before they'll take a sip. All of that is completely normal.

How I Handle It

Keeping your pet hydrated is a big part of my job on the road. Here's my approach:

• I offer water at every stop, roughly every three hours, so your pet has plenty of chances to drink at their own pace.

• I use the bowl or bottle you send along so everything feels familiar to them. If a bowl is not provided, I always have a clean, collapsible bowl dedicated to that pet only.

• I watch closely for any signs that they may need extra attention, like excessive panting or low energy.

• If your pet consistently refuses water, I will reach out to you directly so we can figure out the best next step together.

A Few Things You Can Do Before We Hit the Road

A little prep at home goes a long way:

• Let your pet practice drinking from their travel bowl or bottle before the trip so it feels familiar.

• Send along their favorite water bowl and anything else they're comfortable with.

• Make sure they're well hydrated before I pick them up.

With the right preparation and plenty of patience, most pets settle in and drink just fine once they find their comfort zone on the road!